What should a healthcare provider do if an infant has difficulty breastfeeding?

When an infant has difficulty breastfeeding, advising the mother to start pumping milk can be a beneficial approach. This strategy serves several purposes: it helps maintain the mother’s milk supply while addressing the infant's feeding challenges, it provides an alternative method to feed the infant (either directly with a bottle or by cup) depending on the situation, and it allows for the continued provision of breast milk, which contains essential nutrients and antibodies that are vital for the infant's health.

By pumping, the mother can also better manage her stress and anxiety regarding the infant's feeding issues, while still ensuring that the baby receives nourishment. Additionally, this approach allows healthcare providers to evaluate the infant's latch or sucking abilities more closely, making it possible to resolve any underlying issues that are affecting breastfeeding.

The focus on supporting the breastfeeding relationship while addressing difficulties is crucial, as this helps promote long-term breastfeeding success rather than prematurely shifting to formula or discontinuing breastfeeding entirely.